Oviedo Police Department Reintroduces Community Engagement Program Through Trading Cards
OVIEDO, Fla. — In a bid to foster relationships with local families and children, the Oviedo Police Department is reintroducing its popular trading card program, aimed at creating memorable interactions that bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.
Originally launched in 2006 and revisited in 2008, the trading card initiative returns with updated designs featuring actual officers from the department. The primary goal, according to Officer Luis Garcia-Chow, is to initiate connections with children in a fun and relatable manner. “It’s that first step in fostering some sort of connection. That’s all it really does,” he noted, emphasizing the program’s focus on building trust within the community.
The trading cards are strategically distributed during unscheduled community engagements, thereby enhancing excitement and spontaneity. Families interested in participating must follow the Oviedo Police Department’s social media channels to receive updates on when and where officers will be appearing for these surprise events. Typically, these pop-ups last for about 30 minutes, allowing officers to distribute the cards directly to children who may be curious about their roles in the community.
Lieutenant Adam Egert, who has been a proponent of reviving the program, expressed the positive impact that previous iterations had on community relations. “I have mine from 2008 on my desk. Every time we hire new officers or they come into my office, they always make a comment, ‘We should do that again,’” he shared, highlighting the nostalgic value of the cards.
Each trading card features a real officer, which not only personalizes the experience for children but also helps them recognize law enforcement personnel in their daily lives. Egert explained that such interactions tend to leave a lasting impression, saying, “A lot of them are really excited to see a cop, and then now to have a baseball card of a cop is even more exciting.”
For an added incentive, children are encouraged to collect all 16 cards available during this series. Those who successfully complete their collection will be rewarded with a special prize from the department.
This trading card program serves as an innovative approach to law enforcement-community engagement, proving that simple moments can lead to significant impacts. Families looking to engage with the Oviedo Police Department are encouraged to stay connected via social media to not miss out on these opportunities—a reminder that building relationships at all levels can start with something as simple as a collectible card.
As the program unfolds over the coming months, it stands as a testament to the importance of community interaction in modern policing and the potential for creative strategies to nurture relationships within the communities they serve.
